Aristolochia debilis vs Ban Xia Rhizome

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Aristolochia debilis

Respiratory

Pinellia ternata

Respiratory

Aristolochia debilis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ban Xia Rhizome

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Climbing vine of East Asia used in TCM as Ma Dou Ling for respiratory conditions; contains nephrotoxic aristolochic acids.

TCM most important herb for transforming damp-cold phlegm; dries dampness, descends rebellious qi, and stops vomiting.

Active Compounds

aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, alkaloids

ephedrine, choline, homogentisic acid, l-pinelline, beta-sitosterol

Traditional Uses

TCM herb Ma Dou Ling for cough and asthma, Used historically in Chinese medicine for respiratory and digestive conditions

Transforms damp-cold phlegm, Stops vomiting and nausea, Descends rebellious stomach qi, Dries dampness

Modern Uses

Historical TCM respiratory herb - now restricted, Traditional cough remedy

Antiemetic, Expectorant, Antitussive, Sedative

Adult Dosage

Severely restricted or banned in many countries due to nephrotoxicity

3-9g processed

Contraindications

All conditions - nephrotoxic, Kidney disease, Pregnancy, Children

Pregnancy contraindicated, Blood or yin deficiency, Must be processed - raw toxic

Side Effects

Kidney failure, Bladder cancer, Carcinogenicity

Numbness in throat with raw form, GI irritation

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E